Maybe it was an unusually warm spring day, so you turned on the air conditioner for the first time that year. Suddenly you experienced severe shortness of breath – much worse than usual. Or perhaps you simply walked to the mailbox, and a gust of wind carrying pollen caused a flare-up.

Whatever the cause, COPD and springtime allergies can be a dangerous combination. Fortunately, you can protect yourself against exacerbations and minimize their impact on your health.

Understanding COPD
COPD is a progressive incurable respiratory illness characterized by obstructed airflow. If you’re one of the millions of people with COPD, then you understand how important it is to learn about every aspect of the disease and come up with the best strategies for care.

COPD encompasses emphysema, chronic bronchitis, irreversible asthma and some forms of bronchiectasis, a condition in which damage to the airways causes them to widen and become flabby and scarred.

The main cause of COPD is exposure to cigarette smoke. Air pollution and occupational dusts can also cause the disease, especially when those exposed to these substances smoke cigarettes. There is also a known genetic cause of COPD called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (ATT) Deficiency.

In the early stages of the disease, people with COPD experience some shortness of breath that might be noticed only during exercise or exertion such as walking up inclines or stairs. As the disease progresses, shortness of breath becomes worse and more noticeable.

As COPD gets worse, some patients may require the use of supplemental oxygen. When a diagnosis is made in the early stages of COPD, and properly treated, the prognosis improves and the rate of lung decline can be significantly slowed.

Making allergy season a little easier
People who live with both allergies and COPD have more respiratory symptoms and are at higher risk for COPD exacerbations, also known as flare-ups. While allergies and COPD are different conditions, they share some symptoms, such as coughing, producing excess phlegm or mucous, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Tree, grass and weed pollen and mold spores can all exacerbate COPD symptoms because exposure to an allergen typically narrows the airways and increases mucus production, making it harder to breathe.

That’s why it’s important to detect early signs of a flare-up and take action. You should also work closely with your doctor on a plan so that you know what to do to treat a flare-up before it becomes serious. Ask your doctor to give you a list of early warning signs and describe scenarios in which you should definitely seek medical help.

Avoiding allergy exposure and COPD flare-ups
The more experience you have in recognizing the springtime allergies that affect you, the better able you will be in successfully managing your symptoms – and keep them under control.

Anticipating triggers is essential, but some allergens are more difficult to avoid. For instance, you can avoid exposure to pet dander and dust by not having a pet and by making sure your home is cleaned regularly.

Here is a list of tips to avoid exposure to allergens in the spring:

When you come home each day, change your clothes immediately so you don’t transfer pollen to your furniture and bedding.

Change the filters in your air conditioning units, both in your house and car, once a year to keep allergens from circulating in your environment.

Clean your house often and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter on floors and furniture, and vacuum the carpet in your bedroom at least twice a week.

Carpets can hold a lot of dirt and dust, so shampoo them at least once a year.

Because mold can form in damp areas, fix leaks in your home as soon as possible, and make sure areas that get wet are thoroughly dried.

Try to minimize time outdoors when the pollen count is high, usually from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m., or when the day is excessively hot and dry. Keep your windows closed during this time, and consider wearing a mask if you do go outside, especially when doing outdoor chores like mowing the lawn or pulling weeds.

If you are still having allergic reactions, consult with your doctor about an allergy control medication.

When exposed to allergens, your body produces histamines, which trigger symptoms like itchy eyes and sneezing by stimulating nerves, glands and blood vessels in the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Exposure also increases swelling and secretions, which increases airway resistance, coughing and mucus production.

Recognizing a COPD flare-up
Ignoring the signs of a flare-up can result in hospitalization and accelerate the loss of lung function. Therefore, it’s critical to seek immediate medical attention to reduce the harm from a COPD flare-up.

Warning signs of a COPD flare-up may include:

Shortness of breath

Noisy breathing

Increased anxiety

Chest breathing

Cough

Changes in skin or nail color

Difficulty sleeping and no interest in eating

At times it’s not possible to completely avoid allergens, so you should consult with your doctor and have him or her suggest medications that you can take to help limit the threat of allergies and COPD. These will include antihistamines, nasal steroids, anti-leukotriene medications and oral steroids.

It’s also important to see your healthcare professional at your regularly scheduled appointment, even if you feel fine; get your flu shot every year; and maintain a high level of hygiene.

Avoiding flare-ups throughout the yearIt’s equally important to minimize your risk of exacerbation all year. So take these additional measures to protect yourself:

If you smoke, stop! Get support through the community and from your doctor in order to kick the habit.

Avoid the use of costly, non–evidence-based treatment options, like the use of an electronic cigarette to aid in smoking cessation.

Other tips:

Stay updated on the latest information about COPD and its care.

Ensure that your flu and pneumonia immunizations are up-to-date.

Participate in pulmonary rehabilitation, a program of exercise, education and support to help you learn to breathe—and function—at the highest level possible. In order to qualify for pulmonary rehabilitation, you must be referred by your doctor and have spirometry test results within the past year that show you have COPD.

Make sure you get regular exercise, such as riding a stationary bike or walking, and lifting a light weight with the arms or legs. Always consult with your doctor first.

Maintain a healthy diet.

Learn the warning signs of a flare-up.

Always take your prescribed medication.

Be vigilant about depression and anxiety. Depression is common in those with COPD and it can make your condition worse. For example, constantly feeling “down” can cause you to have trouble following your treatment plan, forget to take your meds, stop exercising or make unhealthy lifestyle choices.

Remember, exposure to secondhand smoke may exacerbate COPD and cause relapse if you’re trying to quit smoking. Make sure to tell friends and family that you’re avoiding secondhand smoke – and avoid public spaces that allow smoking.

Reach out for support. One key thing to remember: You are not alone. The C.O.P.D. Information Line, (866) 316-COPD (316-2673), is a toll-free number for peer-to-peer information and referrals on COPD by patients and caregivers impacted by COPD. Other COPD-related resources, include:

COPD Big Fat Reference Guide®

Slim Skinny Reference Guide®

The 1s, 2s and 3s of COPD

Disaster Preparedness Plan (DPP)

The Impact of Smoking

What is COPD?

The "What's" of COPD

COPD may be progressive and currently incurable, but it is still treatable. Empower yourself and take steps to help maintain a good quality of life.

Byron Thomashow, M.D., is chair of the board of directors of the COPD Foundation, Clinical Professor of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, and Attending Physician, New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

The information contained on www.lifescript.com(the "Site") is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for advice from your doctor or health-care professional. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Always seek the advice of a qualified health-care professional regarding any medical condition. Information and statements provided by the site about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Lifescript does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, third-party products, procedures, opinions, or other information mentioned on the Site. Reliance on any information provided by Lifescript is solely at your own risk.